3 Cubs on NL All-Star roster; White Sox’s Abreu starting for AL

Mike Trout, Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts form a dream outfield for the American League. Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer make up a not-so-gracious welcome committee for the NL. Power in the center of power. A capital-sized All-Star Game. Baseball unveiled the rosters for its midsummer showcase Sunday night, featuring an imposing AL lineup and Harper starting at his home ballpark in Washington. Reigning AL MVP Jose Altuve was one of five All-Stars from the World Series champion Houston Astros, matching the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians for most in the majors. The New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves each had four, including rookie Gleyber Torres from the Bronx Bombers and fellow second baseman Ozzie Albies from the surprising Braves. “It’s fun. You’re playing but you’re looking around because you’re playing with all those big boys out there,” said Altuve, who made the AL team for the sixth time. Torres is on the disabled list with a hip injury and unlikely to participate. While he and Albies are just 21 years old, the list of 25 first-time All-Stars also includes thirty-something surprises like Boston first baseman Mitch Moreland, Texas Rangers slugger Shin-Soo Choo and Atlanta outfielder Nick Markakis. “It’s something that I didn’t know it would ever be quite possible,” Moreland said. “I’m definitely excited about the opportunity and appreciative of having that opportunity.” Trout is working on perhaps the best season of his stellar career with the Los Angeles Angels. Judge has 25 homers and 58 RBIs for… [Read full story]